Crosswalk Culture Update

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  Compelling Whiplash Easily Lives Up to Its Name Best Picture nominee wrestles with questions of art and morality in an intense, energized, nail-biting character study featuring Best Supporting Actor J.K. Simmons. Jeffrey Huston Nov 28, 2014
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  A Madea Christmas is a Bit Naughty, a Bit Nice Has all the hallmarks of Perry’s former installments: a little heart, a little hope, and one pistol-packing grandma. Ryan Duncan Nov 25, 2014
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  Is This Hollywood's 'Year of the Bible'? With all the biblical epics being released, is Hollywood getting religion? Probably not... Jim Denison Nov 24, 2014
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 1 Little More Than a Placeholder Perhaps it was inevitable the final novel would be cut in two. The result is a talky Part 1 that feels like a stagnant stage setter. Christian Hamaker Nov 21, 2014
• Master Animator's Swansong: The Wind Rises is Elegiac, Inspirational If this is Hayao Miyazaki's final film, it's a fitting farewell to an artist who inspired wonder in millions of fans both young and old. Christian Hamaker Nov 18, 2014
• Telling Biblical Stories in Hollywood Randall Wallace has serious Hollywood credentials. He received an Academy Award nomination for writing the screenplay for the Mel Gibson movie Braveheart. Warren Cole Smith Nov 17, 2014
• Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas... from Grumpy Christians Neither the comedic misadventure nor defense against anti-Christian views you may be expecting, this film has a joyful perspective but takes far too many avoidable missteps. Shawn McEvoy Nov 14, 2014
• Family Themes Breathe Fire into Dragon Sequel Doesn't offer the same measure of surprise as the original but has different strengths of its own, including how regret and apology heal. Christian Hamaker Nov 11, 2014
• Why Your Family is More Awesome Than the Roosevelts Theodore Roosevelt Jr.'s name reminded him daily of his family history. What if the children of God reminded each other daily of our family affiliation? J. Scott McElroy Nov 10, 2014
• Creativity, Heart and One Huggable Protagonist Save the Day in Big Hero 6 Best Animated Film winner of 2014 isn't so much The Avengers for the younger set; more like the fast-funny-footloose style of Guardians of the Galaxy, minus the innuendo. Christa Banister Nov 07, 2014
• Jolie is Scary Good in Maleficent For a PG film, it's potentially nightmarish for youngsters. Others will find the acting, themes, and new twist on an old tale enjoyable. Christa Banister Nov 04, 2014
• Strong Performances Aside, Nightcrawler Recycles Old News Compelling visuals are handicapped by news stories centered on sensationalist local footage that feel a bit dated; we don't learn much. Christian Hamaker Oct 31, 2014